Abstract: The present invention provides a highly safe non-lamellar liquid crystal-forming composition. The present invention relates to a non-lamellar liquid crystal-forming composition comprising a phospholipid and an amphipathic compound represented by the following general formula (I), wherein X and Y each denotes a hydrogen atom or together denote an oxygen atom, n denotes the integer 1 or 2, m denotes the integer 1 or 2, and R denotes a hydrophilic group having one or more hydroxyl groups, and wherein the composition has an increased biocompatibility by the phospholipid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external preparation that is well retained on a living body surface and is capable of increasing drug permeability, in particular, an external preparation comprising a non-lamellar liquid crystal-forming lipid and a drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesion preventing agent comprising an amphipathic compound having the following general formula (I): wherein X and Y each denotes a hydrogen atom or together denote an oxygen atom, n denotes an integer from 0 to 2, m denotes the integer 1 or 2, AA: AA denotes a single bond or double bond, and R denotes a hydrophilic group having two or more hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A cubic liquid crystal composition comprising at least one amphiphilic compound having the following general formula (1) and having an IV/OV value of 0.65 to 0.95, and water or an aqueous medium: wherein R represents a hydrophilic group; X and Y each independently represent a hydrogen atom or together form an oxygen atom; n is an integer of 0 to 4; and m is an integer of 0 to 3.

Abstract: A cubic liquid crystal composition comprising at least one amphiphilic compound having the following general formula (1) and having an IV/OV value of 0.65 to 0.95, and water or an aqueous medium: wherein R represents a hydrophilic group; X and Y each independently represent a hydrogen atom or together form an oxygen atom; n is an integer of 0 to 4; and m is an integer of 0 to 3.

Abstract: An organic halide (1) having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen atom, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group or a halogenated hydrocarbon group, R.sup.1 may be a group having the formula: ##STR2## wherein R is an aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic radical, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be a group consisting of -CH.sub.2 OH or its esters; is produced by reacting an organic halide (2) having the formula: ##STR3## wherein X, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is the same as above, respectively; with the compound having the formula: ##STR4## wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is the same as above, respectively, in the presence of a cationic catalyst at the temperature of from -78.degree. C. to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Process for producing substituted ketones from the reaction between organic halides and ketones having replaceable active hydrogen atoms on the carbon atom(s) alpha to the carbonyl group, in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide unitilizing phosphonium salts as the catalyst, which salts have the following formula: ##EQU1## wherein said R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are branched or straight chain alkyl of 1-30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 6-10 carbon atoms, aryl of 6-10 carbon atoms aralkyl or alkaryl wherein the aryl and alkyl are as above defined and X.sup.- is an inorganic or organic anion.

Abstract: A process for producing substituted ketones is disclosed comprising reacting an organic halide with a ketone which has a replaceable hydrogen atom on the carbon atom in the .alpha.-position to the carbonyl group, in the presence of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide and at least one basic nitrogen catalyst such as certain primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines, quaternary ammonium salts or betaine-type quaternary ammonium salts.